AIP Wire Report, WASHINGTON / NEW YORK — International press freedom and human rights organizations continue to express concern over the detention of Pakistani journalist Sohrab Barkat, who was arrested in Islamabad on June 5 following his reporting on protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Barkat was detained at his residence and later accused of violating Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) after publishing reports on his YouTube channel covering the political situation in the region. Authorities alleged that his reporting promoted the views of the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), a protest movement that has recently been banned under anti-terrorism legislation.
CPJ condemned the arrest and called for Barkat’s immediate release, arguing that the case reflects a broader pattern of using cybercrime legislation to target independent journalism. The organization noted that Barkat had previously spent approximately 100 days in detention between late 2025 and early 2026 in connection with his reporting activities.
The detention comes amid escalating tensions in Pakistan-administered Kashmir ahead of regional elections. The controversy centers on reserved legislative seats allocated to refugees who migrated from Indian-administered Kashmir decades ago, an issue that sparked demonstrations and a subsequent security crackdown.
Human rights organizations have also raised concerns over the broader response to the unrest. Amnesty International recently criticized the designation of the JKJAAC as a prohibited organization and warned that mass arrests, internet restrictions, and the targeting of journalists risk undermining fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and access to information.
Amnesty specifically cited Barkat’s arrest as part of a wider pattern of restrictions affecting those reporting on developments in the region. The organization called for authorities to respect the rights to peaceful expression and independent journalism.
The latest detention has renewed scrutiny of Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, which has been criticized by press freedom advocates who argue that provisions related to “false” or “fake” information can be used against journalists and independent media outlets.
As of the latest publicly available reports, no announcement has been made regarding Barkat’s release, and press freedom groups continue to call for the charges against him to be dropped.
The case has become a focal point in ongoing debates over media freedom, digital speech regulations, and the ability of journalists to report on politically sensitive issues in Pakistan and Kashmir.
